(From company literature) Manfrotto 475 Pro Geared. Equipment used in the present "digital era" requires a camera support system more stable and versatile than ever. Manfrotto geared tripods have always been the first choice of the professional photographer, whether in the studio or on location, for their medium and large format cameras.

Manfrotto has always been concerned with the balance between minimum and maximum height, tripod weight, and load capacity. The 475 is no exception. Designed by incorporating the best features of the 3033 and 3036 tripods, the 475 has added two important features. The new center brace system can be operated in a symmetric or asymmetric way. This allows the best of both worlds: speed by locking the braces so that all of the legs will be spread to the same angle, or by individually setting the angle of each leg for the ultimate in tripod positioning.

To avoid annoying delays in leveling the tripod, the telescopic center braces have been designed with two "click stop" positions that allow you to easily find the same spread angle on all three legs. The second improvement has been made to the leg locking system. The 475 incorporates the new Quick Action leg locks. These locks have an amazingly quick and secure locking range. All it takes is a 45 degree flip of the lever to lock and unlock each section. Available in silver or black.

Features:

• Very sturdy and stable
• Very tall at maximum working height
• High load capacity
• World-wide spares and service back-up

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10

Pros:

Very stable, Good quick release legs

Cons:

Heavy, Geared column drops a bit when undone

I regularly use a couple of these at work for both digital SLRs and heavier imaging devices. This tripod is very reliable and has taken everything we have thrown at it. It is quick to set up and able to provide a very stable base for equipment a lot heavier than a Pro SLR! The legs extend and retract very smoothly but lock tight in position.

It is a bit heavy but that is to be expected of a tripod of this standard. My only gripe is that when you release the lock on the geared column it can drop a fair way which can be unnerving with expensive kit on top.